Theseus’ Paradox – Rebodies, Replicas & Tampered Numbers; an Automotive Identity Crisis
Greek historian and writer, Plutarch posed a question, over two thousand years ago, that has continued to confound philosophers. “If the ship on which Theseus sailed has been so heavily repaired and nearly every part replaced, is it still the same ship — and, if not, at what point did it stop being the same ship?” This same question can be posed differently and more succinctly; if one has an ax and replaces the handle and the head does he still have the same ax?
This parable clearly presents a paradox that we collectors, restorers and enthusiasts of vintage and antique vehicles can well relate to. At what point do our “restorations” become replicas of what the original is thought to have looked like?
Let us look for a moment at a fairly straightforward restoration of an otherwise solid car. If a few body panels are replaced and others repaired and the drivetrain and chassis is otherwise original I think we can all agree that we have simply restored or rehabilitated the car; the majority remaining untouched and original.
But take the situation where you replace the body but not the frame. What about the situation where the frame and the body have been replaced? What about just the frame? Does the authenticity of the engine change your opinion? At some point the original car ceases to exist; its identity is destroyed and the resultant vehicle is a replica of what the original may have looked like. True, to even the trained eye, a complete replica may well be indistinguishable from the original but it is clearly not the original.
As illustrated above, Theseus’ paradox continues to confound us in our hobby. Cars today are being restored using many reproduction parts and it is unfortunately not uncommon to find that many of the rare cars have had their bodies, frames or had major components such as engines, transmissions or interiors replaced. Other concerns regarding rebodied vehicles can be found in the article Rebodied Cars … what to do?.
Additionally, the removal and replacement of VIN and serial numbers can create an equally sticky situation Many laws have been enacted to protect the integrity of the VIN. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 511, the alteration of a VIN, could be a federal criminal offense. Further, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2321 whoever buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part, knowing that an identification number for such motor vehicle or part has been removed, obliterated, tampered with, or altered, could be fined or imprisoned for up to ten years. Similarly, Pennsylvania’s statutes also address this matter. Specifically, 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 7703 states that a person who alters, counterfeits, defaces, destroys, disguises, falsifies, forges, obliterates or removes a vehicle identification number with the intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity or prevent the identification of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part commits a felony of the third degree and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than seven years or a fine of not more than $50,000, or both. Further, and most concerning is that pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 7704 any person who purchases, receives, disposes, sells, transfers or possesses a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part with knowledge that the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle part has been altered, counterfeited, defaced, destroyed, disguised, falsified, forged, obliterated or removed with the intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity or prevent the identification of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part commits a felony of the third degree and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than seven years or a fine of not more than $50,000, or both. Moreover consider, especially with the case of restamped engines that, in Pennsylvania, it is illegal knowingly buy, or sell an automotive part from which the manufacturer’s name plate, serial number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark has been removed, defaced, covered, altered or destroyed unless instructed or done by the manufacturer. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4104.
Often times Bryan W. Shook, Esquire, through his law firm Vintage Car Law, is contacted concerning misrepresentation of vehicles that have been rebodied or otherwise replicated to appear one way when they were not actually produced in that configuration. There is well-settled Pennsylvania case law which holds that “the deliberate nondisclosure of a material fact is the same as culpable misrepresentation. Even innocent misrepresentations are actionable if they relate to matters material to the transaction involved; while, if the misrepresentation is made knowingly … materiality is not a requisite to the action…. A misrepresentation is material when it is of such a character that if it had not been made, the agreement would not have been entered into.” McClellan v. HMO of PA, 604 A.2d 1053, 1060 (citations omitted).
In closing, if the car has been substantially modified during the restoration (i.e. rebuilt using all non-original parts, a new body, frame, engine, etc. )this information must be disclosed prior to the sale of the vehicle to the new owner. Failure to do so could create legal liability. The use of half-truths and crafty expressions of terms could create even further liability.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market and protect their automotive investments. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients throughout the world. Although Bryan Shook is headquartered in central Pennsylvania (close proximity to Carlisle and Hershey), Attorney Bryan Shook is available anywhere for consultation, advice, and information, most times, on as short as a day’s notice. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal or by phone at 717-884-9010. More information can be found at Http://www.vintagecarlaw.com.
The Dirty Side of the Hobby – Fake Pedigree & Provenance
Forgeries and fakes have long been the scourge of the collector car hobby. This practice has continued thanks to many “entrepreneurs” who have established businesses selling “reproduction” tags and paperwork for older vehicles. Reproduction however would imply that it is a replica of the original but actually the term “reproduction” in this sense usually means counterfeit.
In the Corvette, Chevelle and Camaro market “aged” build sheets or tank sheets, made to order, to your specifications, have long been available. The number of counterfeiters who forge historical vehicle documents and paperwork is very concerning. Sham documents have been openly advertised for nearly two decades in Hemmings Motor News, eBay, Craigslist and on the internet. Some of this fake paperwork is so doctored that it actually smells old or in the case of Corvette tank sheets like gasoline. Of course if you interview any of the outfits that create these items you would quickly be told that they are novelty items. All too often, however, people are deceived by the very existence of this fake paperwork and lulled into a sense of security when viewing such a vehicle which may be for sale under the mistaken guise that it has pedigree and provenance, to wit, the counterfeit documentation.
An additional problem is that of “air cars” (cars created from “thin air” with nothing more than a VIN). With counterfeit documents, air cars are immediately given credence and pedigree. In additional to fake window stickers, build sheets, FMVSS stickers, Corvette Order Copy (“Tank Sticker”) there are also forgers out there that make new VIN tags, cowl tags, trim tags and others that offer the proper rivets or screws to affix the fake tags.
One method of outing some of the fakes in the hobby has been recently introduced. A service of the National Corvette Restorer’s Society (NCRS) which tells owners when their cars were built and where they were delivered new has the potential for exposing several fraudulently presented classic Chevys. With the information provided by the NCRS, hobbyists will be able to verify their car’s paperwork, VIN number and cowl/trim tag to make sure that it all connects properly.
With the “birthday” of a car known, you can make sure that the VIN is consistent with that month of production and that the engine production stamping precedes the cars build date. Also with this information, you can determine if the assembly week code on the trim tag is consistent with the date given by the NCRS. Finally, if the vehicle has “paperwork” or a window sticker (or build sheet) the dealership should match that or be reasonably close in vicinity (e.g. same zone — dealer trades) to the dealership provided by the NCRS. If any of this information does not match or if the birthday of the car does not correlate to the VIN, engine stamping or cowl tag, then you have major problems. If the information does not match, it is wise to investigate the car carefully and, if necessary, hire and expert to examine the vehicle for signs of further molestation and restamping.
If you find that the vehicle you own is a clone or has doctored paperwork, a tampered VIN, restamped engine, transmission or replacement VIN tag, cowl tag or trim tag, you should immediately contact an attorney to learn about your legal rights and what recourse and options you may have.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market and protect their automotive investments. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients throughout the world. Although Bryan Shook is headquartered in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (close proximity to Carlisle and Hershey), Attorney Bryan Shook is available anywhere for consultation, advice, and information, most times, on as short as a day’s notice. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com or by phone at 717-884-9010. More information can be found at Http://www.vintagecarlaw.com.
Benefits of Using an Attorney as an Escrow Agent to Protect Yourself in a Collector Car Sale or Transaction
Benefits of using an attorney as an escrow agent to protect yourself in a collector car transaction
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
Using an attorney to act as an escrow agent is one of the most effective ways to safeguard yourself from the pitfalls of buying vehicles sight unseen from far away locations. In a perfect world collector car transactions would all be “above board” and transparent however as we all know this, unfortunately is not always the case. That screaming deal on eBay or Craigslist may be a great deal, but it may also be the biggest mistake you make this year. There are many hazards upon which a prospective buyer may happen, although most happen with the consummation of the sale, especially if the vehicle is not viewed, in person, by the buyer.
How can using an attorney as an escrow agent help protect you in a collector car transaction?
An attorney as an escrow agent has more inherent safeties as opposed to using a broker. Attorneys are regulated by their state’s bar association or their state’s supreme court. Brokers are usually not regulated at all and only subject to their state’s vehicle board, if regulated at all. Money placed into an attorney’s escrow account is subject to strict accounting oversight and may only be paid out with the client’s consent and agreement.
As an attorney familiar with the nuances and pitfalls of collector car transactions I can offer many safeguarding services, professionally, discreetly and unobtrusively to preserve the transaction and yet protect you the client throughout the sale.
I offer the following services:
- Pre-Purchase Inspection Review
- In-person auction assistance to both bidders and sellers
- Escrow Agent
- Sales Contract Drafting/Review
- Private Treaty Sales (start to finish)
- Independent evaluation of title documents prior to consummation of sale
- Vehicle research, including verification of provenance and pedigree
- Forensic investigatory services (number & stamp investigation, make and model investigation, production anomalies, etc.)
- Powers of Attorney
- Import/Export
- Competing Claims of Ownership
- Title Defense
- Help safeguard against misrepresentations and fraud
By utilizing my services, you are not only protecting yourself in the transaction, but you are also making a further investment in the value of your purchase.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market and protect their automotive investments. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients throughout the world. Although Bryan Shook is headquartered in central Pennsylvania (close proximity to Carlisle and Hershey), Attorney Bryan Shook is available anywhere for consultation, advice, and information, most times, on as short as a day’s notice. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com or by phone at 717-884-9010 More information can be found at Http://www.vintagecarlaw.com.
Rebodied Cars … what to do …
Rebodies:
What’s the big deal???
(By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire)
717-884-9010
I’ve been getting quite a few calls lately seeking information on re-bodied vehicles. The term “rebody” is a term of art used throughout our hobby to denote a vehicle whose original factory body has been replaced with another “donor” body. The donor body is then given the original body’s VIN, serial number, data card, trim tag, cowl tag, etc. and then usually and most unfortunately sold to an unsuspecting buyer as the original, real deal automobile. This problem is complicated when the rebodied car is an “air car” which did not exist prior to the rebody. Specifically what happens is someone dreams up a car or has the paperwork from a desirable car and makes it from “thin air” using the donor body as the starting point. All of a sudden, the car has pedigree, provenance and history if the builder can dream up a good enough story. This is problematic as you can plainly see.
There are several legal issues when it comes to a rebodied automobile. The most important issue is whether or not the rebody was disclosed to you when you purchased the vehicle. If the rebody was not disclosed to you how can it be said you negotiated with the seller on equal footing. Another issue comes from the fact that rarely are rebodys done properly. Were the police notified of the body replacement as required under some state laws? Did the seller give you two Certificates of Titles? (Remember the best bodies come from good cars and in today’s day and age, good cars get restored … was the body stolen and the subject vehicle the product of a “chop shop”) Did the seller give you photographs of the original body to evidence the condition of the original body? Do you have confirmation that the original body has been destroyed? (This is usually where the State Police come in as this is where the stories start about two cars registered under the same VIN)
Without the safeguards outlined above, you can never been shore that the vehicle you purchased truly belongs to you. Under the law you would have a breach of the warranty of title claim if any third party were to ever come after you claiming you own the body to their car. The problem is that if you know the car has been rebodied and you can’t provide the above information to a new purchaser you could be just as liable as the seller who sold the car to you should you not disclose what you know to a prospective purchaser.
If you have a rebodied car or think you do, this is a serious matter. Rebodied cars can be nearly unsaleable and always have questions. There was way to rectify the situation and there are ways to unwind the transaction which unknowingly left you with the rebody. In any event, please call me and we can discuss your options and to what extent your car may have been rebodied.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market and protect their automotive investments. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients throughout the world. Although Bryan Shook is headquartered in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (close proximity to Carlisle and Hershey), Attorney Bryan Shook is available anywhere for consultation, advice, and information, most times, on as short as a day’s notice. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at bshook@shooklegal.com or by phone at 717-884-9010. More information can be found at Http://www.vintagecarlaw.com.
Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Car Law
Fall Auctions – What Lies Ahead?
So now that Monterey is over, what lies ahead?
By all accounts Monterey was a success; collectors once again proved that no-nonsense cars still bring big money. The collector car market is alive and well. There were 14 cars alone that sold for more than $1,000,000.00 during RM’s Saturday night sale in Monterey. Similarly other auctions around the peninsula reported big numbers and record bidders.
So, what lies ahead? The fall is packed with great auctions which plan to offer something for everyone. Here is a sampling:
- September 2nd through 5th, 2010 – Auburn Collector Car Auction – Auctions America by RM
- September 16th through 19th, 2010 – Mecum’s St. Charles Illinois sale
- September 23rd through 25th, 2010 – Barrett Jackson – Las Vegas
- September 30th through October 1st, 2010 – Carlisle, Pennsyvlanaia – Carlisle Auctions held in conjuctionw ith Fall Carlisle Swap Meet
- October 7th through 8th, 2010 – RM Auctions – Vintage Motorcars of Hershey
- November 5th through 6th, 2010 – The Bob McDorman Collection (featuring one of the world’s most complete collection of Corvettes) – Mecum Auctions
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com
Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Car Law
2009 Barrett-Jackson – Palm Beach Auction – Cars to Watch “The Sleepers”
Barrett-Jackson – Palm Beach 2009 Auction
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
It’s that time again in sunny south Florida.The trucks are arriving as I type this delivering one gorgeous car after another. All told, over 700 cars will be sold this week at the “lifestyle” event that is Barrett-Jackson’s 7th annual Palm Beach collector car auction. As has been the norm for Barrett-Jackson auctions over the past five years or so, this will be a “No-Reserve” auction which means all cars will sell to the highest bidder regardless of price
Speed TV will be broadcasting 22hrs of live high-definition coverage of the event.
Although we are technically in a recession, I look for several of the auction lots to sell for strong money. Plenty has been written about the feature cars of the auction so I have chosen to focus this article on what I believe will be the best buys of the auction.
On Tuesday, April 07, 2009, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time “kicking the tires” and here is my list of vehicles to watch.
· 1920 Chevrolet Model T – 1 Ton (open cab) chassis truck (Lot # 678)
o This truck is coming out of the GM Heritage Collection and is in very nice shape. The truck shows some slight deterioration from sitting and appears to have been restored a number of years ago. Although it’s only sold on a Bill-of-Sale, I believe this will be a great buy. Where else are you going to find one?
· 1964 ½ Ford Mustang convertible (Lot #347)
o This car is extremely well presented and appears to be over restored. If you are looking for a rare color (Skylight Blue) and color keyed blue convertible top car this is the car for you. Although this is an original D-Code (289cu 4bbl) car with 4spd manual transmission, the engine has supposedly been replaced with a circa 1965 Ford 289cu engine. Bottom line is that this is a striking color combination on an extremely significant model year Mustang.
· 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Short Bed pickup (Lot #32)
o This truck is as clean as ANY you’ll find. It supposedly features its original number’s matching 402cu big block engine and air conditioning. To say this truck is restored to a high level is an understatement. It is evident that true love went into this restoration and either this was an excellent original when the restoration was started or someone spend A LOT of money, not to mention time, during the restoration seeking out good quality original pieces.
· 1976 Chevrolet C10 Silverado Long Bed pickup (Lot #330.1)
o This is allegedly a 17,000 mile truck. The truck features a 454cu engine, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and the optional gauge package. The cons on this particular truck are that it is a long bed model and it is painted, assumedly original, light saddle over neutral.
· 1994 Pontiac Trans Am 25th Anniversary Edition Convertible (Lot #58)
o This is an extremely rare 1 of 250 convertible 25th Anniversary Edition Trans Ams that is in very good, original condition. This car is officially 15 years old and looks great. The TA is powered by the corporate 5.7 liter (350cu) 275hp small block Chevrolet engine which is backed by a very fun 6spd manual transmission. The car is extremely clean with only minor road spray on the undercarriage and rear axle assembly. Overall, this vehicle represents an amazing opportunity to purchase a historical vehicle directly from GM. For more support please refer to my article below “‘Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy’ 1982-1992 GM F-Bodys”
· 1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30th Anniversary Coupe – Daytona 500 Pace Car (Lot #616.1)
o This vehicle has it all, the LS1 engine, the signature blue anodized wheels, the white leather seats, removable roof panels (i.e. T-tops) … not to mention provenance directly from GM as an officially 1999 Daytona 500 Pace Car. Again, as stated above, this vehicle represents an amazing opportunity to purchase a historical vehicle directly from GM. For more support please refer to my article below “‘Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy’ 1982-1992 GM F-Bodys” Did I mention this car is a WS6 optioned vehicle with the aggressively styled Ram Air hood and induction system?
The above list represents just a sampling of the vehicles offered at this year’s Barrett-Jackson, West Palm Beach, Florida Auction. For more information, be sure to visit their website at http://www.barrett-jackson.com.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
GM F-Bodies – 1982-2002 – Can’t Miss Investments
Can’t Miss Investments – Even in this Economy
GM F-Bodies 1982-2002
As I recently stated during a seminar, and I continue to stress, we are in a buyer’s market. Given the market conditions, there are several cars that I forecast as “can’t miss investments.” These are vehicles which have hit their rock bottom price and have a tremendous opportunity to appreciate. In this article I have chosen to look at the 3rd and 4th generation GM F-Bodies, better known as Camaros and Firebirds.
1982-1992 Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am (a/k/a 3rd Generation F-Bodies)
These cars reached their bargain basement price structure during the first part of this century, good solid, low-mileage, well kept, examples trade anywhere from $3,000.00 to $8,000.00, with exceptional cars trading for much more. While the 350cu optioned vehicles are always popular, the only way to get a 5spd manual transmission with a V8 engine was to order one of the 305cu engine offerings.
· Camaros poised to appreciate:
o 1982 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica
o 1983-1986 RPO L69 High Output 305cu 4bbl 190hp (especially rare, at least in decent condition is the 1983 variety, considering its late introduction)
o 1985-1990 IROC Camaros
o 1987-1992 convertibles
o 1989-1992 1LE Camaros (basically showroom ready SCCA prepared racers usually very sparsely equipped)
§ Of particular desirability is a 1992 1LE Camaro optioned with luxury or appearance options, such as a deluxe leather interior or the RPO Z03 Heritage Package – Extremely Rare
o 1991-1992 B4C Camaros (similar to the 1LE option but titled “service special” developed especially as pursuit vehicles for law enforcement.)
· Firebirds poised to appreciate:
o 1982-1992 Trans Am (in general)
o 1982-1984 Recaro Edition Trans Am
o 1983 Trans Am Daytona 500 pace car replica
o 1984 15th Anniversary Edition Trans Am
o 1983-1986 RPL L69 High Output 305cu 4bbl 190hp
o 1989 Turbo Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition – Indianapolis 500 pace car replica
§ Hardtop cars are especially desirable given their rarity
o 1989-1992 1LE Trans Am (no 1LE GTAs were produced)
o 1991-1992 Firebird/Trans Am/GTA Convertibles
§ Especially desirable when equipped with 5spd manual transmission
o 1991-1992 Firebird Firehawk
A detractor from the collection of these vehicles is an adequate supply of good quality examples are quickly disappearing. With the recent spike in scrap prices, many of these cars failed to survive the high scrap prices. (Note: I witnessed scrap prices as high as $15.00 per every 100 pounds – read $300/ton.) Another detractor is that GM has all but cut off this generation from its service parts support and has therefore shifted the burden of parts supplying to the aftermarket industry, although good New Old Stock (NOS) parts can still be found. The viability of the automotive restoration parts suppliers in today’s economy remains to be seen.
Solid, well kept examples of the above referenced Camaros/Firebirds, will enjoy a marked appreciation, much like we are currently seeing with the second generation (1970-1981) Camaros and what we have already seen in the first generation Camaros (1967-1969) Camaros.
1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am (a/k/a 4th Generation F-Bodies)
The 4th Generation of the General Motor’s F-body has been holding its own since the demise of the F-body in 2002. As I type this article the first 5th generation Camaros are hitting the dealerships. This changes everything, the demand of the 1993-2002 F-Bodies will shrink as potential buyers will be able to quench their thirst with the purchase of a new, more powerful 2010 model. While it may seem that we are about to see a decline in the value of the 4th generation F-Bodies, the reality is that this generation has been out of production for nearly a decade, but from a performance standpoint, remains nearly as powerful and agile as its modern peers and successor. Furthermore, from a nostalgic standpoint, with the discontinuance of the Pontiac motor division, the last rear wheel drive Pontiacs (1993-2002 Firebird/Trans Am) will be sought after by collectors.
Convertibles are always a good buy (no convertibles for 1993), but look for the 1998-2002 Camaro SS and Trans Ams to lead the appreciation charge. New for 1998 was the introduction of the LS1 all aluminum 5.7L engine that was introduced a year earlier in the Corvette C5. Some late 2002 LS1 powered Camaros and Trans Ams were actually built with the stronger LS6 engine blocks, watch for these as they are a desirable oddity. The V8 models will of course always be more desirable than the V6 models however, some appearance packages and the RS package was only available on V6 models.
· Camaros poised to appreciate:
o 1993 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
o 1993-1999 1LE Camaros & 2001-2002 SLP 1LE Camaros (1LE option was no longer offered by General Motors after 1999 but in 2001 SLP stepped up and offered a modification to bring the 1LE package back)
o 1993-2002 B4C Camaros (similar to the 1LE option but titled “service special” developed especially as pursuit vehicles for law enforcement.)
o 1994-2002 convertibles especially with V8 engines
o 1996-2002 SLP modified vehicles
o 1996-2002 Camaro SS
o 1997 30th Anniversary Edition Camaro (white with Hugger orange stripes & orange hounds tooth interior – reminiscent of the 1969 Indianapolis 500 pace car replica)
o 1997 Chevrolet Camaro SLP Modified with Corvette LT4 engine
o 2002 35th Anniversary Edition Camaro
o Dealer Modified Camaros such as:
§ Berger, Tom Henry, etc.
o 2002 GMMG, Inc. modified ZL1 Camaros – only 69 produced in commemoration of the 1969 Camaro ZL1
· Firebird/Trans Ams poised to appreciate:
o 1993-1999 1LE Firebirds
o 1993-2002 Firebird Firehawk
o 1994 25th Anniversary Edition Trans Am
o 1994-2002 convertibles especially with V8 engines
§ Especially desirable are the 1997-2002 WS6 “Ram Air” convertibles
o 1999 30th Anniversary Edition Trans Am
o 2002 35th Anniversary “Collector’s Edition” Trans Am
o 1996-2000 Formula with “Ram Air” cold air induction system (RPO WS6)
o 1996-2002 Trans Am with “Ram Air” cold air induction system (RPO WS6)
As the aforementioned cars come to market over the next several years, I believe you will see several great buys at auction and throughout car corrals. Look for the cars that are listed above, but don’t limit your search to just those cars. A clean V8, otherwise standard issue Camaro/Firebird is a good investment, but look for the cars listed above to appreciate at a higher rate than the standard issue V8 examples. Nonetheless, investment in a 1982-2002 General Motors F-Body will provide you with a drivable interest-bearing savings account.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence.
This article was written by Bryan W. Shook, Esquire the founder of Vintage Automotive. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
